Chapter Text
REGULUS:
By the way, what made you do this in the first place?
SHIRO glances up at him his face fixed in what seems to be a permanent scowl. REGULUS tilts his head in mock(?) confusion as the two of them walk toward the base, the sky overcast as if it could start raining at any second.
SHIRO:
I could ask you the same question. Why did you insist on following me to the base?
REGULUS:
That’s stupid. We’re going to the same place at the same time, so of course I’d go with you.
SHIRO:
On the same train and sitting next to each other?
REGULUS:
Well, I can’t kill what I can’t see, obviously.
SHIRO:
Snorts.
Oh and you’d really attack me on a train with witnesses?
REGULUS:
C’mon, give me more credit than that. I’d make sure you died without a single person noticing. I’d even gingerly carry your corpse to the graveyard and properly dispose of you too so be grateful.
SHIRO rolls his eyes and faces forward.
SHIRO:
Gee, thanks. Rather than worrying about your proximity to me, how about we talk about this training stuff? If you’re going to be uncomfortably close, then at least let’s get something done.
REGULUS shrugs a shoulder.
REGULUS:
Tonight, maybe. I have to maintain a façade of being a loving teacher to your class….hey, you didn’t answer my question.
SHIRO:
Because it was vague as hell.
REGULUS:
What made you come to the base? That’s the one thing I don’t understand. Your dad isn’t here anymore, and it doesn’t seem like your family situation is all that inviting.
SHIRO starts a retort but groans and passes a hand over his face instead.
SHIRO:
Because I wanted to change myself, okay?
REGULUS:
Why?
SHIRO:
Why does it matter to you? If you succeed in killing me, then that’d be that right?
REGULUS:
See, it’s that inability of yours to have a conversation that’s gonna keep you from getting what you want.
SHIRO pauses at this.
SHIRO:
….That seriously implies you can see into my dreams….you do know that right?
REGULUS:
Clearly you’re not familiar with cold reads. That’s cute. In any case, we’ll get to your special training later. I have to admit having toys to shape in my form is kind of fun.
SHIRO:
I don’t think anyone would appreciate being called a toy –especially not your students.
REGULUS:
You say tomato---
SHIRO scowls at him as they arrive –KURO is there with REI apparently waiting for SHIRO. REGULUS regards them both with a simple nod of the head and heads inside the main building leaving the three outside.
KURO:
Uh hey bro….
SHIRO:
Yeah, hey. I see you and the galpal are doing well today too.
KURO:
She’s not my girlfriend. I’m sorry Rei, Shiro’s just a bit..
REI gives SHIRO a glance that’s equal parts condescending and smug, placing her hand on her mouth and tittering politely.
REI:
I take no offense to his words Kuro dear. After all every relationship has to have one in dominance and one who isn’t, and I quite prefer you to be kind and gentle. Let him take the dirty roles, with his dirty non-mouth.
SHIRO:
It’s impressive how filthy you made that sound.
KURO:
There’s not really any room for alternate interpretation there…uh Rei, you do understand that while we’re bros we’re not into each other like that right?
REI:
But of course. Though as people change, so do their relationships. All I ask is you not be afraid to express yourself no matter who it is you’re with.
SHIRO:
Coming from you it still sounds incredibly nasty.
REI gives SHIRO a genuine (?) smile and takes KURO’s arm.
REI:
Perhaps it is filthy because you have a filthy mind? I cannot influence how you think after all. (To KURO) come along now, the teacher has already passed us so we shouldn’t be late.
KURO:
Ah—well I mean we can at least go with Shiro since he’s right here and…
SHIRO:
Nah, go ahead. I’m not concerned with what that as—what teach thinks. There’s something I wanna do in the library first.
REI:
Ohh? A well-read bad boy? Not at all a novel setting, but there’s something charming about the classics.
KURO:
Wait, what are you going to do?
SHIRO:
Read, obviously.
KURO frowns.
KURO:
That’s not what I mea---
REI drags him away and SHIRO watches them go while waving lazily, waiting till they are out of sight before he jogs to the library which is in another building adjacent to the main one. He feels bad lying to KURO, but, hey, he really is going to look something up –just not in the way he stated.
Opening theme: As long as I am me….
Is it because I am me, that I know powerlessness and loneliness?
If I were someone else, would I still have experienced misfortune?
Would shooting stars in the sky and the moon in the skies look different from another’s point of view?
The dreams and wishes I’ve embraced hard enough to break –would they still be as meaningful?
The little things; my height complex, stubbornness, and how I wear my heart on my sleeve,
Are all a part of me. Light at times, heavy at others, but never more than I can shoulder.
I know I face forward only because I don’t want others to see these tears of frustration,
And I run forward --I’m too stubborn and prideful to give up, because until the end I will be me.
Tripping and falling along the way only means I have a new starting point to begin.
The soil I kick up as I run is the only time I’ll stop and smell the flowers.
As long as I am me, even if others snicker under their breath, I won’t stop, and won’t be stopped.
Episode 7: Various Viewpoints.
To his surprise despite passing them before they headed into class, REGULUS is not there when KURO and REI arrive in the classroom. In fact, no one is. The only thing in the class is a note stating “No class today” on the podium REGULUS had used yesterday. Apparently everyone else had read it and gone on to do other things. So then, what had happened to REGULUS if he hadn’t come in to teach class?
REI:
How curious. That man –intriguing as he is completely eschews most logic. It sounded like he wasn’t going to come back at all, and then he does, but now he’s not here. It is a pity too as I had something I wanted to discuss…
KURO:
Huh? What were you going to talk to him about?
REI:
He knows that pup, no? So I wanted more information on his habits so I could ascertain just how compatible he is with you. Being childhood friends gets your leg in the door, but there has to be some chemistry otherwise it’s all for naught.
KURO:
Why is it a forgone conclusion that I’m dating someone…
REI:
Because you’re just a sweet midnight colored dewdrop!
KURO’s helmet almost turns completely red upon this and he hides his face behind his hands as REI gives a cursory look around, her eyes narrowed. Meanwhile in the dorms, KIIRO flops into bed and closes his eyes as CROW looks on. After a few moments of silence KIIRO opens an eye and glances up at him.
KIIRO:
Why not take a picture? It’d last longer.
CROW smirks and bows his head.
CROW:
No need to be snippy, bro. I was just thinking about what teach said yesterday…you sure you shouldn’t be training or something?
KIIRO:
I ain’t gonna let some guy I just met get to me. What are his qualifications anyway? Maybe the prof recognizes ‘im, but I sure as hell don’t.
CROW:
You’re not at all curious as to how he managed to get us all down pat like that?
KIIRO turns on his side away from CROW and shrugs a shoulder.
CROW:
The way I see it, everyone in the class is going to be bringing their A game now. Maybe no one is saying it out loud, but being seen through so easily after we thought we were at the top is…
KIIRO’s expression softens as he considers this –everyone had been eager to leave not because they wanted to skip class but because they’re reconsidering what they’re here for. BELL sits on her bed retooling her coffin backpack, the masked student looks clenches their hand and opens it slowly, a small flame dancing in their palm. TOTO and AQUA are walking on campus, TOTO with a noticeable scowl until he sees SHIRO heading toward the library, to which he changes directions and follows him. KIDD is on the roof of a building his finger pointed in the air like a gun as he wistfully stares up at the sky, and NITROS is in the cafeteria with someone.
???:
You sure you’ll be able to handle that teacher, little bro? He sounds like bad news.
NITROS who was poking at his food lifts his face to find one exactly like his looking back at him –blue helmet and blond hair, except female.
NITROS:
I’ll admit he rattled me yesterday, but I think I’ll be fine, Dyna.
DYNA:
Says the guy who hasn’t eaten a bite the whole time we’ve been here.
NITROS puts the fork aside and laughs humorlessly, leaning against his shoulder.
NITROS:
Okay he rattled me a lot. Even the old teacher wasn’t able to see through me that quickly.
DYNA peers at him before picking up his spoon and taking the top off his pudding.
DYNA:
Don’t get mopey now. You’re in class zero –above number one. If all it takes is one prof to shake you off your game then you’d might as well get out of there and let me take your place.
NITROS frowns.
NITROS:
Are you here to cheer me up or ---
DYNA takes another serving of pudding to which NITROS slides the entire tray to her and she nods approvingly.
DYNA:
I can tell you the truth, or I can cheer you up. Choose wisely.
NITROS:
It is weird that I got chosen for class zero over you honestly, you’re way more talented than I am.
DYNA:
Ah, I like the style of class 1 over 0, so it’s all good. Though Ms. Mercy is everything but…that.
NITROS pauses at this, and sits up straight.
NITROS:
On that note, why aren’t you in class? Don’t tell me you’re skipping….
DYNA:
Pfft, as if. Knowing Ms. Mercy, she’d find out somehow and mercilessly hunt me down. No, something happened and class got cancelled, just like with you.
NITROS:
Huh, there was nothing on the network about that this morning so it must have been a last minute thing.
DYNA:
Guess so. Better take this opportunity to train, little bro.
NITROS gives her a mock glare before attempting to take his tray back, but DYNA has a tight grip on it and the two struggle playfully for a bit. Meanwhile REGULUS has arrived in EIN’s office where the aforementioned, SHOUT, and two other people sit at the table. EIN waves him over to the table and he sits down, noting the other two at the table. One is a bomber with a orange helmet and pink hair done up in a loose bun. She has on a white overcoat that’s tied shut with black boots and black gloves, and her blue eyes are on a communicator before her as she scrolls through something. Meanwhile the other is a large Gorilla? With yellow fur and a white muzzle, adorned in what looks like a one armed pair of grey overalls that have dark stains on them. In his large hands is a small blue and purple device that he’s daintily using a screwdriver to take apart. This seems normal enough, but REGULUS can swear he hears something like protests coming from the device…?
MUFFLED VOICE:
Don’t just stare, dammit, help me! He’s gonna turn me into some kinda Pegasus forsaken…
The big guy squeezes the device gently and it stops talking. REGULUS makes an executive decision to ignore what he just heard and sit across from EIN at the table.
EIN:
I’m sorry to call you out so suddenly, but I thought it would be appropriate for all of you to meet as you’ll be working together in administering knowledge to the base’s students!
SHOUT:
So this is Regulus huh? I admit you don’t fit the description I had in mind.
REGULUS:
Oh? How so?
SHOUT:
You were taller for one.
REGULUS:
Physical appearances are always disappointing --make a note of it.
The lady bomber sets her phone aside and regards REGULUS for a moment before giving him a small smile, her voice honeyed and pleasant.
LADY:
The short and brooding type I see, hm? I heard you gave class zero quite the rude awakening yesterday.
REGULUS:
I’ve been told I have an abrupt way of saying hello, yes.
EIN:
Regulus, this is Mercy. She’s the teacher of class 1 –so she’s your comrade and rival of sorts.
REGULUS:
Sounds fun.
MERCY gives him a side long glance before laughing.
MERCY:
“Fun”? I’m not sure what I was expecting but it certainly wasn’t that. You’re certainly an interesting one.
REGULUS puts his feet up on the table and gets comfortable, which EIN and SHOUT glare at.
REGULUS:
Life’s what you make of it, so I’d might as well have the best time I have with how much of it I have left.
MERCY frowns at REGULUS’s statement until a flashlight shines on his face.
EIN:
And this is Bongo who’s in charge of the engineering department.
The device BONGO was using earlier is apparently (?) a flashlight that he’s shining on REGULUS with a stern expression. The Flashlight itself seems to be able to talk –somehow and has a high pitched voice as it laments…
FLASHLIGHT:
Shiiiiiiiine, ugh what is my life…they say you can be anything you want, but it’s more like I’m whatever Bongo wants me to be…
BONGO:
You’re suspicious, da bongo.
REGULUS:
Oh I see, this isn’t a “get to know everyone” type meeting as much as it is an inquisition?
EIN sighs and steeples his fingers.
EIN:
I have to admit, the circumstances of your arrival are –suspicious. Although your credentials do check out, and it is thanks to you that certain activities that our new recruit was involved in came to light…but really Regulus, who are you.
REGULUS:
How much I’d love to answer “Your worst nightmare.” Though that’s only going to make this last longer isn’t it?
SHOUT:
Flatly.
You can say it anyway, if it makes you feel better.
REGULUS:
ANYway, This is one of those cases where the less you know –the better. Though, if my credentials checked out and you’re still asking me questions, I guess that’s not gonna fly. Okay, let me put it this way…
REGULUS flexes and sits up properly in his chair, resting an arm on the table and leaning forward.
REGULUS:
If you had a machine, or –weapon that you didn’t know how to use you’d call in someone who does right? Well, I am that person, and I gave you information on the weapon for the good of everyone here. If I happen to shine up the rest of your weapons so that they function a little better while I’m here, is there really a reason to complain?
MERCY:
Are you referring to the student’s as….
SHOUT:
Wait, are you talking about ---no way, if you knew that then why would you let him…
REGULUS:
Because I’m going to take care of it. Something I can’t do if I’ve got to answer questions here.
An uncomfortable silence hangs in the room as REGULUS puts his feet back up on the table, his intention to remain mum on the subject clear. Meanwhile in the library SHIRO flips through a book on “dream studies”, with another book on “Lucid dreaming” open on his lap, and yet another on “Dreamscapes and you” on the table in front of him. Clearly he’s not satisfied with allowing REGULUS to be the broker between his dreams and himself, and has decided to look it up on his own, but not having an idea where to start is limiting his progress.
SHIRO:
Ahh drat it, How do I get into my own head on purpose?
The table suddenly shakes and SHIRO has to catch the book on his lap to keep it from falling, he looks up and sees TOTO and his sister, the former’s foot on the edge of the table, his arms crossed.
SHIRO:
…may I help you?
TOTO:
….Teach called you “Bomberman” in class didn’t he?
AQUA:
Toto, is this what you came here for? You really shouldn’t---
SHIRO:
Yes, but I’d really rather you didn’t call me that stupid name in…
TOTO’s eyes flare up and he roars.
TOTO:
WHY WOULD YOU NOT WANT TO HAVE SUCH A COOL NAME?!
AQUA holds the side of her head and SHIRO falls backward slightly.
SHIRO:
…Cool? Like, not really? I mean it’s literally what we do plus “man”. It’s actually the pinnacle of uncreativity.
TOTO:
YOU SAY THAT BUT YOU DON’T HAVE MY NAME, DAMMIT!
SHIRO raises a hand to object, but it crinkles in midair when he realizes that TOTO isn’t wrong. Around them other library patrons are shushing him, but he doesn’t seem to register them or where he is.
TOTO:
If I’m going to be the physical manifestation of justice then I have to have a name that strikes fear in the hearts of villains! I have to be Bomberman! GIVE ME YOUR NAME!
SHIRO:
When you put it that way, Hell no. Did you really think coming here and demanding me to give you my name would actually work?
AQUA:
Um, we’re in a library, so maybe you two could….
SHIRO:
Moreover, who the hell do you think you are coming into the library to bother me with this nonsense you idiot? Think of your own name!
TOTO:
You said you didn’t even like the name!
SHIRO:
I said I don’t want you to call me that! I never said anything about liking or disliking…
TOTO:
IF YOU LIKE THE NAME WHY WOULDN’T YOU WANT PEOPLE TO REFER TO YOU USING IT?!
SHIRO:
THAT’S MY BUSINESS DAMMIT.
AQUA slams two very heavy books on their heads, her own eyes flaming hot.
AQUA:
This is a LIBRARY. So shut up and take your stupid argument outside, and quit bothering everyone!
She then turns to the patrons –several of which have stopped shushing and started cowering.
AQUA:
Sorry for being an annoyance everyone. We’re leaving now.
There are hushed whispers –some being apologies to her. AQUA then takes TOTO by his leg and SHIRO by his head and drags the two unconscious bombers out of the library. SHIRO wakes up but doesn’t back at the table in his dreamscape with ASHTARTH who is leaning on his elbow and scratching his armpit in a very ungentlemanly manner.
SHIRO:
Hi.
ASHTARTH:
…What. Are you expecting me to freak out or something because you caught me with my guard down?
SHIRO:
…No. What’s with you and the passive-aggressive shtick? Also, why can’t come here whenever I want to, and why now of all times?
ASHTARTH:
Mocking SHIRO.
I’ll just ask a whole bunch of questions at once and hope that maybe one or two of them stick because I’m a dummy who doesn’t want to rely on others to help me when I’m so clearly outclassed.
SHIRO:
You knew Regulus, would you want to ask him for help if you could avoid it?
ASHTARTH gives SHIRO a thoughtful look sighs.
ASHTARTH:
What I would do is kind of beside the point now wouldn’t you say? I don’t technically exist anymore, except inside this equal parts confusing and terrifying teenage mind of yours. In any case, you’re going to wake up soon, so I’ll leave you with this nugget of information.
SHIRO blinks and nods earnestly.
ASHTARTH:
Heroes show up when they’re called, and sometimes when they’re needed. It’d be a good idea to not confuse the two.
SHIRO:
…Can you not be cryptic and just tell me what you mean?
TOTO:
In what way was I cryptic?! GIVE ME YOUR NAAAAME!!
SHIRO blinks and realizes he’s awakened on a bench with TOTO staring down at him angrily.
SHIRO:
Y’know it’s really hard to respect you when you just got owned by your little sister.
TOTO:
You did too! Though you don’t get it man, when Aqua’s mad she’s like the devil…!
TOTO shivers apparently thinking about his sister’s temper which SHIRO simpers at as he thinks of his grandmother. He can understand what it’s like to have a tempestuous lady in one’s family…though that all but fades when he sees Aqua gently hitting her head against a tree nearby.
AQUA:
Ugggh, I let it happen again, I let my temper get the best of me…why am I like this?
SHIRO:
Thinking.
Why is that so oddly cute…
TOTO:
Hey! Eyes off my sister, pal!
SHIRO:
Who the hell wants…forget it. I’m not giving you my name, and I’m not hot for your sister. So if that’s all you want then you can just leave.
TOTO’s fist trembles as he slowly raises it to SHIRO who gives him a blank stare in return, but his stance is one that’s ready for a confrontation. To his surprise TOTO gets on his knees and bows, banging his head on the pavement as he does.
TOTO:
PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR NAME!
SHIRO:
…not what I was expecting, but still no. The name was given to me by someone important, so I can’t just go giving it to others even if it’s stupid. You understand that right?
TOTO raises his head and studies SHIRO for a bit.
TOTO:
Yeah, I think I get it.
SHIRO:
Good. I get what you mean about wanting a cool name or whatever, but it’d be better to come up with one for yourself, I think.
TOTO stands up and dusts himself off. SHIRO rises from the bench, and pats the back of his head sheepishly, wondering what to do now. Wait, this could be a moment to make friends, right? Come to think of it, he’d only fleetingly thought about making friends in the class since he had assumed KURO would be there for him, but since that’s looking…questionable at most, maybe he too should move on, and this is clearly one of those moments where one would extend their hand in friendship right? SHIRO wouldn’t know since friends always sort of just happened to him…without the need for initiation on his side. So…what does he do now?
SHIRO:
Thinking.
Geez this is so stupid. I mean, it’s making friends right? I just need to say it, so why the hell can’t bring myself to?
REGULUS:
Bomberman.
SHIRO:
Don’t call me that.
TOTO:
Yes?
There’s a pause after this, and the two eye each other incredulously.
SHIRO:
What the hell are you doing?
TOTO looks away quickly.
TOTO:
Noooooothing.
SHIRO:
Here I thought you understood what I just told you, but you’re still trying to steal my name?!
TOTO:
B—B—b—c’mon! It’s such a cool name!
SHIRO:
AND IT’S MINE DAMMIT.
REGULUS who had been nearby when he saw the two makes his way over and takes a swing at SHIRO that he grabs.
REGULUS:
Not bad. Anyway, I’m done with my business so let’s go train.
SHIRO:
Wait, now? What about class?
REGULUS:
The fact that you don’t know that it was cancelled today means that you were trying to skip, you ungrateful moron. I should just go back to your house and do whatever I feel like, but I’m a benevolent guy so I’ll say it one more time. We. Train. Now.
TOTO:
Whoa, why does he get special training teach?
AQUA has joined the trio and stands beside her brother.
REGULUS pauses for a moment, clearly rattled by this question.
REGULUS:
Hm…uh, it’s more like remedial training. This guy hasn’t been to school or anything so he needs to catch up, and he’s pretty slow on top of that.
REGULUS pats SHIRO on the head.
REGULUS:
Isn’t that right, my slow little friend?
SHIRO:
Monotone.
Yeah, I find it difficult to learn and need education from a “special” teacher.
AQUA:
Oh, I see….though it does seem like you two know each other. Have you been his tutor for a long while?
SHIRO and REGULUS exchange glances.
BOTH:
You could say that, yes.
AQUA:
I might be wrong about this, but it looked like for a moment there you were collaborating a story which is further evidenced by that answer in unison…
BOTH:
You’re wrong.
AQUA:
You just did it again.
BOTH:
Just your imagination.
They glare at each other.
SHIRO:
I’M AN IDIOT.
REGULUS:
SHIRO’S AN IDIOT.
AQUA stifles a giggle at this as TOTO tilts his head in confusion.
TOTO:
What are you two doing?
SHIRO:
Growling.
Being an idiot, apparently.
REGULUS:
Exactly. Now you see why he needs special education. Come along now, Bomberman.
TOTO begins to stride over to REGULUS, but AQUA holds him back, as REGULUS playfully (?) shoves SHIRO in front of him as the two walk away. To his surprise, REGULUS takes SHIRO to a training room in the main building, --decorated with only a few mirrors and a bleacher nearby indicating this is a place where students and teachers might come to watch events.
SHIRO:
I was expecting you to take me somewhere abandoned where you could kill me without witnesses.
REGULUS:
I said we’re training, dummy. Killing you and training are two different things.
SHIRO:
Huh, I thought you’d find some way to combine both?
REGULUS staaaares at SHIRO for a moment before opening one hand and patting his fist in it softly.
REGULUS:
…I could do that! On an unrelated note, let’s take this outsi—
SHIRO:
No, and I refuse to believe you didn’t think of that yourself.
REGULUS:
Feh, you’re no fun. Anyway, come at me however you see fit.
SHIRO:
And in what way is this training?
REGULUS:
C’mon, make like some sneakers and just do it.
SHIRO shrugs and charges at REGULUS, willing a bomb as he does so. REGULUS trips him up and kicks the still forming bomb out of existence as it’s unable to maintain form once it leaves SHIRO’s hands. SHIRO rolls over and trips REGULUS by sweeping him off his feet, but the seasoned warrior simply pivots on his hands and leaps backward, but a bomb is already careening in his direction courtesy of SHIRO. REGULUS ducks under this and uses the explosive wind to propel himself forward his opponent, fist outstretched. SHIRO dives out of the way and tosses two more bombs, but REGULUS kicks one away and weaves past the other, slamming his fist into SHIRO who fumbles for just a second unable to will another bomb. SHIRO takes this momentum, leans back and tries to toss REGULUS overhead; however he grabs SHIRO’s face with his free hand and forces him underfoot, kicking him once in the side, and preparing to follow up with another when a gale suddenly blows underneath SHIRO sending him upward like a rocket and bringing him down like a sack of rocks. REGULUS tsk-tsk’s this, and makes a sound of understanding that still manages to come off as very condescending.
REGULUS:
Ah, so that’s how it is.
SHIRO who landed face first wearily pushes himself off the ground and gives REGULUS a dirty look.
REGULUS:
Hey, don’t be mad at me. You’re the one who can’t control the elements, but I have good news. Considering what happened on the training field and just now, I think I’ve figured out how to proceed.
SHIRO sits up, his expression caught between frustration and intrigue.
REGULUS:
Seems there are “conditions” you have to fill to use the elemental stones in your body now that you’re in a time of peace. Back in the black hole, you were constantly in danger of dying, and it’s clear the elements have a sense of self preservation, but now that’s not really necessary so you’ve gotta call them.
SHIRO:
Call them huh…
REGULUS:
Aww, I was expecting you to be more surprised than that.
SHIRO:
Mumbling
…I think I understand what Ashtarth was saying, but that doesn’t make sense. Haven’t I always been calling them? What changed now? Ugh, why does he have to be so damned cryptic…
SHIRO blinks realizing REGULUS spoke and starts to respond when he sees REGULUS has moved away from him and is shivering.
REGULUS:
Ewwww, you talked to Ashtarth? I knew you had a screw loose, but to make imaginary friends to fill the void of your lacking social life is a little very creepy.
SHIRO:
Why must you be such an—anyway, you clearly know more than that so why not just spit it out?
REGULUS:
Why not ask your imaginary friends? (Sighs) Anyway “calling” them now is gonna take more than a collect call from imminent death. You have to get to know the knights and find out what they’re going to respond to. Clearly windy responds to gentlemanly endeavors.
SHIRO:
What was gentlemanly about…
REGULUS:
Mocking ASHTARTH:
What kind of gentleman ignores a plebian in need?
SHIRO:
Ah. …Would he really call me a plebian?
REGULUS:
I adlibbed. Anyway you’ve figured out his hashtag of sorts, so now you’ve got six more. Clearly you’re able to talk to the knights somehow, so I’d recommend calling them up and having a discussion about a few of their favorite things.
SHIRO:
…You say that, but it’s not like they come running when I call, or that I even know how to call them.
REGULUS:
In a rare moment of candor, I will say this –you’d do well to know that simply asking for help goes a long way.
SHIRO blinks and bows his head. Asking for help is something he hates doing, because it reminds him of that guy---SIRIUS, and how ineffective he was in the black hole in the scheme of things. However, one thing he is quickly learning is that what he wants to do and what has to be done are leagues apart. REGULUS shrugs and walks away as SHIRO stares down at his fist and clenches it, his fate seemingly slipping away from him more and more as time goes on.
Meanwhile, on a cliff overlooking SHIRO’s home in the mountains is a mysterious bomber wearing a brimmed hat and brown boots upon what seems to be a large green kangaroo. He looks down at a map and grins upon comparing its contents with the land below him.
He has returned.
Ending Song: Passionate Orbit
Say, did you know, that heart beating in your chest…
Is a gift from the depths of this wide universe?
When we are born our guardian star breathes a silent prayer to the galaxy,
And in the break between dusk and morn, dyed silver-black hues it ends up in our hands.
As we experience our lives and are touched by the gentle but rusted hands of time,
Colors born from daily life drip from this gift from the galaxy yearning to be shared –to take orbit.
So when the time comes and your little universe yearns to orbit another’s –don’t be frightened.
Just clasp your hands together, and let those feelings bubble to the surface and become a star.
For each time two hearts intertwine and orbit one another,
A little more of the universe is filled with color.